I have accompanied the Palestinians of the South Hebron Hills since 700 were expelled in 1999 and returned home by Israel's High Court. Rabbis For Human Rights lawyers currently represent Palestinian Susya against the High Court petition by the Susya settlement and "Regavim" to demolish Palestinian Susya.

Two of the most bitter rivals in the Middle East, Iran and Saudi Arabia, are preparing to co-operate on lowering tensions in the region, particularly in Syria. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia invited Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to visit Riyadh.

The delays in the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile and the possible emergence of hitherto unknown weapons is not prompting Israel to rethink its defence programme against unconventional weapons.

The Israeli government decided three months ago to cease the distribution of gas masks to the entire population.